The Hebrew word Nôwchâh, represented by H5119, is a proper name for an Israelite. Derived from the feminine of נוּחַ, its base definition is quietude. This name, transliterated as Nohah, is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the entire Bible.
The single appearance of H5119 occurs within a genealogical list in the book of 1 Chronicles. The verse serves to establish a specific family lineage by naming individuals in order. The text simply states, "Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth" 1 Chronicles 8:2. This placement firmly identifies Nohah as a person and fixes his position within his family's structure.
Several related words appear in the immediate context of H5119, helping to define its place in the biblical record:
- H7243 rᵉbîyʻîy (fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth; foursquare, fourth (part)): This ordinal number is used to explicitly state Nohah's position within the familial list found in 1 Chronicles 8:2.
- H7498 Râphâʼ (giant; Rapha or Raphah, the name of two Israelites; Rapha): This is the name of the Israelite listed directly after Nohah in the same verse.
- H2549 chămîyshîy (fifth; also a fifth; fifth (part)): This word specifies the position of Rapha, who is mentioned immediately following Nohah in the lineage 1 Chronicles 8:2.
The narrative significance of H5119 is tied exclusively to its role in biblical genealogy.
- Genealogical Marker: The name functions as a precise identifier for one individual within the extensive family records of Israel.
- Positional Identity: Nohah's identity in the text is inseparable from his birth order, being named "the fourth" 1 Chronicles 8:2. This emphasizes the importance of sequence in establishing lineage and inheritance.
- A Name of Quietude: Although the narrative does not elaborate on his character, the name Nohah itself carries the meaning of quietude.
In summary, H5119 is not a term with broad theological weight but serves a clear and singular purpose. As the proper name Nohah, it appears just once to identify an Israelite man as the fourth in a specific line of descent. Its significance lies in its contribution to the detailed genealogical records that are a foundational element of the Old Testament narrative.
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